The British and Irish Lions are gearing up for their next tour, and the performances during the recent Six Nations have significantly influenced the selection process. With head coach Andy Farrell set to announce the squad on May 8, rugby pundits John Barclay and Sam Warburton have shared their final Lions XVs, offering a glimpse into the potential lineup that will take on Australia this summer.

Barclay's XV

John Barclay, the former Scotland captain, has curated a team that includes five Englishmen, five Scotsmen, four Irishmen, and one Welshman. Notably, he has made seven alterations from his initial selection after the opening round of the tournament. Barclay emphasized the dominance of England's set-piece, which led to the inclusion of props Ellis Genge and Will Stuart. He also highlighted the potential of Wales' Jac Morgan, who stood out despite Wales' struggles.

Warburton's XV

Sam Warburton, who captained the Lions to victory in Australia in 2013, has selected a team comprising five Englishmen, five Irishmen, three Scots, and two Welshmen. Warburton made eight changes from his round one team, with Tadhg Furlong returning to the front row after recovering from injury. He also named George Martin in the second row, citing his physicality as a key asset. Warburton's 'curveball' selection is Blair Murray, the New Zealand-born Welshman, who he believes has the potential to excel under the high ball and in defense.

Key Insights

Both pundits have chosen Finn Russell as their fly-half, recognizing his exceptional skills and experience. Warburton believes that pairing Russell with Sione Tuipulotu could be the key to unlocking the Lions' potential Down Under. Additionally, Maro Itoje is seen as a frontrunner for the captaincy, with both Barclay and Warburton praising his leadership qualities.

Related Topics

• British & Irish Lions: Stay updated with the latest news and selections for the Lions tour.
• Rugby Union: Dive deeper into the world of rugby with insights and analysis.

For more detailed analysis and player statistics, check out the full breakdown of Barclay and Warburton's Lions XVs and share your thoughts in the comments section.